HOW TO Make Your Internet Faster.

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To improve your internet speed, you can change several settings within the Network & Internet section of your operating system. Here are some adjustments you can make:

Windows

  1. Change DNS Server
    • Go to Settings > Network & Internet > Status > Network and Sharing Center.
    • Click on your network connection, then click Properties.
    • Select Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4) and click Properties.
    • Select Use the following DNS server addresses and enter preferred DNS servers like Google’s (8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4) or Cloudflare’s (1.1.1.1 and 1.0.0.1).
  2. Adjust Network Adapter Settings
    • Go to Settings > Network & Internet > Status > Network and Sharing Center.
    • Click on Change adapter settings.
    • Right-click your active network adapter and select Properties.
    • Click Configure, then go to the Advanced tab.
    • Disable power-saving modes and other settings like Large Send Offload.
  3. Update Network Drivers
    • Go to Device Manager.
    • Expand the Network adapters section.
    • Right-click your network adapter and select Update driver.
  4. Disable Background Apps
    • Go to Settings > Privacy > Background apps.
    • Turn off apps that you don’t need running in the background.

macOS

  1. Change DNS Server
    • Go to System Preferences > Network.
    • Select your network connection and click Advanced.
    • Go to the DNS tab and click the + button to add DNS servers like Google’s (8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4) or Cloudflare’s (1.1.1.1 and 1.0.0.1).
  2. Update Network Settings
    • Go to System Preferences > Network.
    • Select your network connection and click Advanced.
    • In the TCP/IP tab, ensure Configure IPv6 is set to Link-local only (if you don’t use IPv6).
  3. Renew DHCP Lease
    • Go to System Preferences > Network.
    • Select your network connection and click Advanced.
    • In the TCP/IP tab, click Renew DHCP Lease.

General Router Settings

  1. Change Wi-Fi Channel
    • Access your router’s settings by entering its IP address in a web browser (often 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1).
    • Log in and go to the wireless settings section.
    • Change the Wi-Fi channel to one that is less crowded (channels 1, 6, or 11 for 2.4 GHz networks).
  2. Enable Quality of Service (QoS)
    • In the router’s settings, find the QoS section.
    • Enable QoS and prioritize traffic for specific devices or applications.
  3. Update Router Firmware
    • Check your router’s settings for firmware updates and apply any available updates.
  4. Adjust Wireless Security Settings
    • Ensure you are using WPA2 or WPA3 security protocols for your Wi-Fi network to prevent unauthorized access.

By making these adjustments, you can often see a noticeable improvement in your internet speed and overall network performance.

Here are some steps to help you make your internet faster:

1. Check Your Internet Plan

  • Ensure you are subscribed to a plan that offers sufficient speed for your needs. You can upgrade your plan if necessary.

2. Test Your Current Speed

  • Use websites like Speedtest.net to check your current internet speed and compare it to the speed your ISP promises.

3. Optimize Router Placement

  • Place your router in a central location, away from walls and obstructions.
  • Elevate your router off the floor and avoid placing it near other electronic devices that can cause interference.

4. Update Firmware

  • Make sure your router’s firmware is up to date. Manufacturers often release updates to improve performance and security.

5. Secure Your Network

  • Protect your network with a strong password to prevent others from using your bandwidth.

6. Use a Wired Connection

  • For critical devices (like a PC or gaming console), use an Ethernet cable to connect directly to the router.

7. Restart Your Router Regularly

  • Reboot your router periodically to clear its cache and refresh its connection.

8. Limit Background Activities

  • Close unused applications and browser tabs that might be using bandwidth.
  • Disable automatic updates and cloud backups during periods when you need the maximum speed.

9. Upgrade Your Hardware

  • Invest in a modern router that supports the latest Wi-Fi standards (like Wi-Fi 6).
  • Consider using a mesh Wi-Fi system to extend coverage in larger homes.

10. Use a Quality-of-Service (QoS) Feature

  • Many routers have QoS settings that prioritize bandwidth for specific devices or applications.

11. Scan for Malware

  • Ensure your devices are free from malware, which can consume bandwidth and slow down your internet.

12. Contact Your ISP

  • If you consistently experience slow speeds, contact your ISP to check if there are issues on their end or if they can offer a better plan.

13. Use Ad Blockers

  • Ads can slow down your internet experience. Use ad blockers to reduce the load on your connection.

14. Reduce Connected Devices

  • Limit the number of devices connected to your network, especially during peak usage times.

Implementing these tips can help you achieve faster and more reliable internet speeds.